Chiefs

By: Stuart Woods

Narrated by: Mark Hammer

Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1919, Delano, Georgia, appoints its first chief of police. Honest and hardworking, the new chief is puzzled when young men start to disappear. But his investigation is ended by the fatal blast from a shotgun. Delano's second chief-of-police is no hero, yet he is also disturbed by what he sees in the missing-persons bulletins. In 1969, when Delano's third chief takes over, the unsolved disappearances still haunt the police files.

Author Stuart Woods' riveting novel spans three generations while also probing deep into Southern small-town attitudes and behavior. The residents of Delano, with their reluctance to disturb a familiar social order, provide the perfect backdrop for this tale of dark secrets and murder.

Over 40 years ago, Woods found a battered chief-of-police badge in his grandmother's house. It had belonged to his grandfather, who had been shot in the line of duty. The story of the lawman's death inspired Woods to write Chiefs, which won an Edgar Award and was made into a popular TV miniseries.

©1981 Stuart Woods (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"A riveting story of the Deep South that mixes murder mystery with political intrigue." (Publishers Weekly)
"A fascinating, compelling tale." (The New York Times)
"The homey wisdom of [Hammer's] voice, coupled with Woods's engaging story, makes this audiobook memorable." (AudioFile)

Needs editing. Great story.

Chapter numbers are actually running into the previous chapter and no transition occurs. Very difficult to know how to prepare for the next chapter. The story is wonderful and the author as a gift for storytelling. Get the book despite the editing problems. You won't regret it.

great story

This is a very good book, perhaps "great story" is over the top. As a black man, there are moments in the book that I had to fast forward or even stop listening momentarily because of the suspense and drama.
Narration is good and the lenght of the story is appropriate

Southern Living

I was not familiar with this author but I am glad I took a chance on "Chiefs". If you grew up in a small town especially a small Southern town you will identify with these characters. As a kid we had a 'Chief' whose nickname was 'Fats' and he was. This book covers the time in office of three men both good and bad and the town fathers of Delano GA who helped put them there. The narration was excellent. Mr Hammer putting voice to each person was smooth gliding from one to another. I enjoyed this book and these characters so much I went on to read "Grass Roots" by the same author.

Heartbreaking Story of Hatred and Discrimination

This book has an extraordinarily slow start, but it's worth it. The portrayal of hatred and discrimination toward black Americans is truly heartbreaking, and often difficult to stomach. Excellent reader. Only criticism is that for much of the book, the next-chapter number is stated instantly after the current chapter ends. Poor production in that respect.

A hot summer Georgia day...

This novel exudes the personality of a small southern Georgia town on a slow, hot, humid, August day. The narrator is fantastic in his portrayal of the characters and adds to the feeling of being a part of this southern town. Characters are interesting and the author did a great job in developing each one. This is just a great "yarn" that made for an enjoyable experience. I enjoyed the book and recommend it if you are not looking for Jack Reacher exploits. It is a Georgia Peach that goes well with a mint julep...

Masterwork

Beautiful story that brings you into the deep south politics and small life from 1920's to the 1960's. Couldn't stop listening. Excellent narration. Highly recommended.

Timeless

A pure slice of Americana from the very good to the very worst
of us all .

Best work

This early work of Stuart woods is the very best. This book has made me a loyal follower.
The story is good, not Anticipatory.
Hope you enjoy as much as I did

Once in a lifetime book

In my time of reading audible books some have been good and some were bad. Most I will not remember. This one is classic. It will always be with me. My favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird, Chiefs is the same caliber.

A suspensful drama

I remember watching the TV Mini-Series based on this book, which followed the novel beat for beat. Which means I knew the entire story before listening to the book. However there is enough depth and emotion in this story to keep my attention, even though I knew exactly what was going to happen. Perfect story for a lengthy road trip.